Names and Myths

Silene A Greek plant name, may be based on Silenus, the foster father of Bacchus, God of wine. Silenus often had beer foam all over his face, and the plant’s resemblance to a foam covered face caused it to be named after him.²³

latifolia  broad-leaved

Natural history / Folklore

Introduced from North Africa by way of Europe. Most striking for the bladders which are composed of fused thin textured sepals. Young plants cane be cooked and eaten.³⁹

Description

Upper stem and leaves downy, white or pinkish flowers open in the evening. Flowers white petals separate, sepals united into a bladder. Prominently veined.